What is authority?
The privilege of being
heeded by others.
Legitimate authority is based on consent,
i.e. those in authority are heeded because
they have earnt the privilege through
the loving testimony of
deed and example.
Illegitimate authority is based on coercion,
i.e. those in authority are heeded because
they have earnt the privilege through
the fearful force of deceit
and violence.